8 Brilliant Toddler and Preschool STEAM Classes around Indy

You need to check these out!

If you’re looking for places for your toddler to learn STEAM concepts while also blowing off some steam, look no further.

The Adventure Kids have personally checked out all 8 of these STEAM classes around Indy. We love them all!

What does STEAM mean?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

The STEAM framework is used to help children and students understand how each discipline is interconnected. The aim is to help kids explore and solve real-world problems.

Please note that none of these classes are drop-off. Adults are expected to participate and supervise the children in their care during class time.

Also, none of these classes charge a fee for the adults attending. You can learn for free right alongside the kids!

1. Mini Mondays at Hornet Park Community Center in Beech Grove

Age = Preschool
Price = FREE
Day = Every Monday
Time = 10:00am-11:00am

The Adventure Kids attend this class just about every week. Each week, the teacher sets up several sensory, craft, and learning stations.

Sometimes the stations all have to do with one theme. For instance, one week when we entered, the kids were told to put on a pirate eye patch and pretend they were pirates. They then explored 7 different stations that all had something to do with that theme.

From paint to bubbles to playdough to shaving cream, there is always a surprise waiting when we walk in.

This class is kid-guided. The teacher floats around and checks on everyone, but the kids really explore on their own.

They also serves a free snack. It’s a wonderful program! We can’t believe it’s free!

2. Toddler Classes at Greenwood Community Center

Age = 2 to 6
Price = Four-week session is $20 for non-members/$16 for members
Day = Friday
Time = 10:00am-10:45am

The Adventure Kids attend this class whenever it’s running. These classes are offered during the school year.

We love it! I even wrote an in-depth story about these classes for Indy with Kids.

Each four-week session has a theme such as “Fun with Food” or “Storybook Adventures.” Then, each class within that session usually has its own topic such as weather, space, or butterflies.

The teacher picks out a story and several projects/experiments related to each week’s topic.

The really nice thing here is that after the class, the kids can play for as long as they’d like in the Kid City area.

You do need to register and pay online before sessions begin. We have so much fun here!

3. All Sorts of Classes at the Indianapolis Public Library

Age = Everybody
Price = FREE
Day = Varies based on location
Time = Varies based on location

The Adventure Kids absolutely love the programs at our local Indianapolis Public Library.

Preschool storytime is so easy to attend. We just show up, enjoy a fun book, dance and sing, and then typically make a craft associated with the book.

We also recently attended a “Learning Syllables Through Drumming” class taught by musician and Arts for Learning teaching artist, Lawrence Clark III. This was such a hoot! The Adventure Kids were amazed!

During the summer, there are even more free programs for kids as part of the summer reading program.

Always check the library’s site for upcoming events. For some, you’ll need to register ahead of time.

We’ve been to animal petting zoos, magic shows, and unicorn parties. You never know what you’ll see at the library’s classes!

4. Playtime on the Prairie at Conner Prairie in Noblesville

These classes are divided into 3 different age groups:

Group 1:

Age = Babies (under 2)
Price = $10 for non-members/$8 for members
Day = One Thursday each month
Time = 9:30am-10:15am

Group 2:

Ages = 2-3
Price = $10 for non-members/$8 for members
Day = One Friday each month
Time = 9:30am-10:30am

Group 3:

Ages = 4-5
Price = $15 for non-member/$12 for members
Day = Typically every other Thursday and Friday
Time = 9:30am-11:00am

The babies class focuses on exploring the natural surroundings in your bare feet!

The classes for older kids focus on a theme. The students create, learn, and explore at several stations related to that theme.

They also allow younger/older siblings to attend the same classes within the preschool age range.

A free snack is served here as well!

Note that admission to Conner Prairie is not included in these class prices. You do need to register online ahead of time to make sure you have a spot in class.

The Adventure Kids have attended a couple of these classes in the oldest group (group 3), and they really had a great time learning.

One of the classes was about goats. This was their favorite! The kids were able to pet and feed the museum’s live goats during a portion of the class.

Note: Starting in 2020, Conner Prairie plans to continue to offer these classes, but they will likely divide them into two groups: babies (under 2) and 3-5 year olds.

5. Wee Wonders at Newfields (formerly Indianapolis Museum of Art) at 38th and Michigan

Age = 5 and under
Price = for ages 2-5, it’s $14 for non-members/$10 for members
Price = for under 2, it’s $2
Day = Wednesdays and Fridays
Time = 10:00am-11:00am

These classes focus around a theme from a storybook that’s read at the beginning of the class.

The highlight of the class is going on an “art hunt” in the museum. During the hunt, students go to one exhibit.

Then, the teacher shows the class a picture of what they’re trying to find. The kids hunt for that artwork and stand in front of it.

During the class, there is also a storytime, singalongs, and, of course, art making time. This is a very organized class and a great way to introduce fine art to toddlers.

Students are also given time to play and experiment with the different technology and stations within the Star Lab classroom.

If you’re interested in these classes, make sure you go online to sign up ASAP. The classes fill up pretty quickly.

Admission to Newfields is not included in these class prices.

You can, however, still visit the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park: 100 Acres for free right “next door” to Newfields. In the park, you can hike, enjoy a picnic, and take in the beauty of the giant artwork and nature. Don’t miss climbing on the famous Funky Bones!

6. Early Childhood Programs at Indiana State Museum in Downtown Indy

There are four different programs here for different days and age groups.

Messy Mondays

Age = 2-5 year olds
Price = $10 for non-members/$7 for members
Day = Mondays
Time = 10:00am-11:00am and 1:00pm-2:00pm

Toddler Time

Age = 18-36 months
Price = $10 for non-members/$8 for members
Day = Thursdays
Time = 10:00am-11:00am

Small Wonders

Age = 3-5 year olds
Price = $12 for non-members/$9 for members
Day = Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays!
Time = 10:00am-11:00am

Young Explorers

Age = 4-6 year olds
Price = $13 for non-members/$10 for members
Day = Saturdays!
Time = 1:00pm-2:30pm

The Adventure Kids definitely enjoy the Small Wonders class.

They had a terrific time socializing, creating art, experimenting, listening to a story, and generally just making a mess while learning.

The teachers are very hands-on and engaging. One of the teachers during our session even had his guitar on-hand to make sound effects during storytime!